Monthly Archives: December 2013

by | December 30, 2013 · 2:33 pm

Variations on Strength

by Danielle Ackley-McPhail

The variations on strength are infinite, tailored to the situation that has called for it. Strength does not just come from within us. It is a product of the conflicts we face. Those of you who are writers know that no story is complete without conflict. Nay, it does not even begin without conflict. Internal. External. Divine. Infernal. Somewhere in every story there are challenges to be met and things that must be overcome. The manner in which we meet those challenges define our strength.

It is impossible to have a primary character that is not strong in some manner, if only eventually. Whether they possess it at the offset or discover it on their way, some aspect of strength will rise to the fore when needed. If not…the author has not done their job properly. This goes for characters of either gender. This is not to say there will not be weaknesses or weak characters, after all, such is the nature of humanity, but to show only weakness for a character is to make the unsympathetic.

Not only that, but life is a study in contrasts. Strength has no meaning without weakness. Do not believe that a character must show only strength in order to be strong. To do so would be to produce two-dimensional characters to which the reader could not relate.

In my story, Looking Back, which will appear in Silence in the Library’s Athena’s Daughters (Spring 2014), my main character, Lady Clara, has several strengths: social standing, a title, determination and dedication. Society perceives her weaknesses as her gender and a lack of a man to take charge of her responsibilities.

Her true weakness? Her strengths, in conjunction with her fears, make her reckless. She is not a strong woman, but she is strong-willed and though this carries her to her ultimate goal, what of the costs? Clara’s conflict comes when she must decide if her goal is worth the risk, or if prudence calls for stepping back and relinquishing control to destiny.

Story Blurb:

If necessity is the mother of invention, then desperation is its sire. Lady Clara is left with stewardship of her lost cousin’s inheritance and the uncertainty of her own fate. She employs the dubious assistance of an American inventor to find her cousin before all is lost, only neither could have anticipated the unique nature of their…success.

Excerpt

https://danielleackleymcphail.booklikes.com/post/721768/excerpt-looking-back-by-danielle-ackley-mcphail-athena-s-daughters

https://danielleackleymcphail.booklikes.com/post/728267/running-out-of-time

Athena’s Daughters is a collection of short fiction from some of the best female science fiction and fantasy authors in the industry, published by Silence in the Library Publishing. This anthology features stories written by women about women. I’m also incredibly excited to have an introduction to the anthology by retired astronaut and Space Shuttle Commander Pam Melroy. A portion of every book sold will go to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.

Athena’s Daughters is a Kickstarter-funded project, which means readers like you bring it to life. Your contribution not only helps to create the book, but you can receive awesome rewards for participating. Become a part of the Athena’s Daughter’s journey by visiting https://tinyurl.com/athenasD

Bio

Award-winning author Danielle Ackley-McPhail has worked both sides of the publishing industry for longer than she cares to admit. Currently, she is a project editor and promotions manager for Dark Quest Books.

Her published works include five urban fantasy novels, Yesterday’s Dreams, Tomorrow’s Memories, Today’s Promise, The Halfling’s Court: and The Redcaps’ Queen: A Bad-Ass Faerie Tale. She is also the author of the solo science fiction collection, A Legacy of Stars, the non-fiction writers guide, The Literary Handyman, and is the senior editor of the Bad-Ass Faeries anthology series, Dragon’s Lure, and In An Iron Cage. Her work is included in numerous other anthologies and collections.

She is a member of the Garden State Speculative Fiction Writers, the New Jersey Authors Network, and Broad Universe, a writer’s organization focusing on promoting the works of women authors in the speculative genres.

Danielle lives in New Jersey with husband and fellow writer, Mike McPhail, mother-in-law Teresa, and three extremely spoiled cats. She can be found on LiveJournal (damcphail, badassfaeries, darkquestbooks, lit_handyman), Facebook (Danielle Ackley-McPhail), and Twitter (DAckley-McPhail). To learn more about her work, visit www.sidhenadaire.com, www.literaryhandyman.com, or www.badassfaeries.com.

In her down time she concocts her own cookie recipes (Spirited Delights), gets crafty, and makes costume horns. All the spaces in between are filled with reading…lots of reading!

If you want to know more about what fun I had with urban fantasy, Irish myth, and some other Strong female characters I invite you to check out the Eternal Cycle trilogy and The Bad-Ass Faerie Tale series. Free excerpts of each book can be found on my website:

https://www.sidhenadaire.com/books/YesterdaysDreams-EX.pdf
https://www.sidhenadaire.com/books/TomorrowsMemories-EX.pdf
https://www.sidhenadaire.com/books/Today’sPromise-EX.pdf
https://www.sidhenadaire.com/books/HC-Excerpt.pdf
https://www.sidhenadaire.com/books/RQ-EX.pdf

Website and/or blog www.sidhenadaire.com, https://lit_handyman.livejournal.com, https://damcphail.livejournal.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/DMcPhail
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/danielle.ackleymcphail
Amazon author page   https://www.amazon.com/Danielle-Ackley-McPhail/e/B002GZVZPQ/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/989939.Danielle_Ackley_McPhail

Click here to listen to Danielle read an excerpt from Looking Back.

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by | December 17, 2013 · 11:09 am

Kicking the Athena’s Daughters Kickstarter Up a Notch!

kickstarter, anthology, women, science fiction, fantasy,

Help fund the Kickstarter campaign to bring the Athena’s Daughters campaign to life!

Athena’s Daughters is the second Kickstarter anthology I’ve been part of. (The first is the upcoming Clockwork Universe: Steampunk Vs. Aliens by Zombies Need Brains Press.)

Once again, I am amazed by our fantabulous backers! We have passed Stretch Goal #20, which means all backers at $5+ get the audio book of War of the Seasons Part I by Janine Spendlove, plus the amazing print of Athena by Ginger Breo, plus a new anthology story by Jennifer Brozek, plus a new e-story by Tera Fulbright,–we added all those goodies just in the last couple of days, thanks to you!

Each time we make another stretch goal, all backers at the $5+ level get new stuff. The more people who back the Kickstarter, the more loot we all get. Got it? Fund it!

So what’s Stretch Goal #20? A limited edition hardcover of Athena’s Daughters will be published. This won’t be a freebie, but it will be available to order, and the funding at this level makes publication a possibility.

Stretch Goal #21 will mean an additional story will be added to the anthology by Diana Peterfreund.

Goal #22 will fund the creations of a companion anthology, Apollo’s Daughters, featuring female characters written by some of the top male science fiction and fantasy writers! Writers like Michael A. Stackpole, Aaron Alston, Aaron Rosenberg, David Mack and Brian Young, so you know this is going to be good!

And Goal #23 adds a story by Alma Alexander to the anthology!  We are adding new stretch goals and new pledge rewards almost daily! There’s still plenty of good stuff–but you’ve got to fund it to get it!

In addition to the Stretch Goals, there are still some awesome Pledge Rewards waiting to be gobbled up. These exclusive packages have limited quantities, and offer unique bundles of ebooks, print books, art, music and surprises. Support at the FIERCE level and get personalized, signed copies of my books The Sworn, The Dread and Ice Forged, plus other goodies. Support the REGAL level and get a personalized, signed copy of a limited-edition ARC of my book The Blood King. Support at the MENTOR level and get a manuscript review by one of our anthology’s published authors—perfect for your own work or to give as a gift to the writer in your life!

Here’s something else that’s awesome–for every book sold, Athena’s Daughters will contribute to RAINN (Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network), the largest anti-abuse network in the U.S.  You get the whole stretch goal package–books, ebooks, e-stories, artwork, music, and victims of abuse get the help they need to survive. It’s a great way to do good while getting goodies.

You’ve got it fund it to get it! Please become a backer of Athena’s Daughters: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/103879051/athenas-daughters-women-in-science-fiction-and-fan’s  (You’ll also see all the contributing authors, artists, editors and musicians, plus the AWESOME stretch goals, pledge reward levels and add-ons.)

Watch the Athena’s Daughter’s video.

Get to know the Athena’s Daughters awesome authors with our blog hop! Just follow this link to blogging bliss!

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Athena’s Daughters is a Kickstarter anthology featuring short stories by women writers in science fiction, fantasy and steampunk. Introduction by retired astronaut and former space shuttle pilot Pam Melroy. Authors include Mary Robinette Kowal, Gail Z. Martin, Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Jean Marie Ward, Janine Spendlove, Maggie Allen, Conley Lyons, Cleolinda Jones, Cynthia Ward, C.A. Verstraete, Tera Fulbright, Tanya Spackman, EJ Lawrence, Nisi Shawl, Vicki Johnson-Steger, DL Stever , Diana Peterfreund, Jennifer Brozek, Tricia Barr. Art by Tietjen Alverez, Kellie Neier, Betsy Waddell, Ginger Breo.  Edited by Jean Rabe.

 

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by | December 14, 2013 · 9:00 am

Q&A with Janine K. Spendlove

1. What is the title of your newest book or short story? What’s it about? Where can readers find it?
Athena’s Daughters: Millie. It’s about a Major Sara Colón, a Marine pilot and her chance encounter with a very familiar time traveling aviatrix. Readers can find an excerpt at: https://www.wattpad.com/32027002-athena%27s-daughters-millie
2. What’s your favorite part of writing a new book or story? What do you like the least?
The world building is my absolute favorite part! Starting a new chapter. It always feels like starting a new book and can be overwhelming at times.
3. Where can readers find you on social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Library Thing, Redd It, etc.)
4. Who are your favorite fictional characters—your own, and from other books, TV shows and movies?
Of my own, it’s hands down Morrigann, the faerie prince, from my War of the Seasons trilogy. He’s charming and awful and such a delight to write! From everywhere else, I adore Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice, Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables (these two fierce ladies have always been role models for me), and currently on TV, Lieutenant Mills in Sleepy Hollow is definitely a fav of mine. She is AWESOME.
5. Was there a book you read in your childhood or teen years that changed your world? Tell us which book and how it made a difference for you.
The Chronicles of Narnia. I was so sad when I read The Last Battle. There was nothing else, but I craved it so badly. This was before the internet and well before I had any sort of access to fanfic, so I daydreamed and imagined myself in Narnia, and came up with new and exciting adventures for me and Penvansies. It was the first time my imagination was truly engaged, and you can see a lot of Narnian influence in my War of the Seasons novels and short stories.

Athena’s Daughters is a collection of short fiction from some of the best female science fiction and fantasy authors in the industry, published by Silence in the Library Publishing. This anthology features stories written by women about women. I’m also incredibly excited to have an introduction to the anthology by retired astronaut and Space Shuttle Commander Pam Melroy. A portion of every book sold will go to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.

Athena’s Daughters is a Kickstarter-funded project, which means readers like you bring it to life. Your contribution not only helps to create the book, but you can receive awesome rewards for participating. Become a part of the Athena’s Daughter’s journey by visiting https://tinyurl.com/athenasD

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by | December 12, 2013 · 10:33 am

Athena’s Daughter – Maggie Allen excerpt

maggieallenI always wanted to be an astronaut. That didn’t end up happening for a variety of reasons, but I do work at NASA now. I landed in a niche that lets me write (and communicate) about the science that we do at NASA, particularly in astrophysics.

Getting to blend science and writing is fulfilling to me – and even more so when I can tie those things to a story.

My story for Silence in the Library Publishing’s latest project, an anthology called “Athena’s Daughters” is about a thirteen-year-old, African-American girl named Bee who spends her summer vacation at camp on the moon. Her passion is botany and anything to do with growing plants – so you can imagine her excitement at spending a summer learning about moon rocks. Lunar Camp ends up being way more than she bargains for in many ways.

Writing this story was so much fun, because it gave me the chance to live vicariously through my character. I personally would loved to have gone to camp on the moon, even if Bee wasn’t thrilled about it.

When I was in 10th grade, I went to Space Camp, so I was able to draw partially on my experiences there for my story, as well as my own interest in all things science and space when I was young.

As a teen I also loved reading space adventure stories – and I loved the Heinlein juveniles in particular. It wasn’t til I was older that I realized that many of these stories were written for boys, and that girls didn’t really get to have adventures. It was a pleasure for me to write a story about a girl who gets to do just that.

I am also incredibly thrilled that Pam Melroy agreed to do the foreword for our anthology. She is a retired astronaut and one of only two female space shuttle commanders. I got to meet her once and what a thrill it was to talk to a woman who actually got to have real adventures in space.

Here is a short exerpt from “Lunar Camp.” You’ll find the rest of it in Athena’s Daughters: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/103879051/athenas-daughters-women-in-science-fiction-and-fan

You can read an excerpt from my Athena’s Daughters short story here: https://www.wattpad.com/32032406-athena%27s-daughters-lunar-camp-exerpt

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Maggie Allen recently started writing short fiction, but for her day job at NASA she has years of experience writing and podcasting about various non-fiction topics in astronomy and astrophysics. Maggie is a guitarist and singer in the rock band “Naked Singularity,” which released its first album of original music in 2013. She has also been a long-time member of the costuming community, and has run her popular costume research and resource sites (padawansguide.com and costumersguide.com) for the past 14 years. Her writer website may be found here: https://writermaggie.blogspot.com

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Athena’s Daughters is a collection of short fiction from some of the best female science fiction and fantasy authors in the industry, published by Silence in the Library Publishing. This anthology features stories written by women about women. I’m also incredibly excited to have an introduction to the anthology by retired astronaut and Space Shuttle Commander Pam Melroy. A portion of every book sold will go to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.

Athena’s Daughters is a Kickstarter-funded project, which means readers like you bring it to life. Your contribution not only helps to create the book, but you can receive awesome rewards for participating. Become a part of the Athena’s Daughter’s journey by visiting https://tinyurl.com/athenasD

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by | December 10, 2013 · 4:06 pm

Strong Women, Exciting Stories–Athena’s Daughters Anthology Kickstarter is Live!

kickstarter, anthology, women, science fiction, fantasy,

Help fund the Kickstarter campaign to bring the Athena’s Daughters campaign to life!

I’ve partnered with Silence in the Library Publishing, Kickstarter, and a host of renowned authors including names like Mary Robinette Kowal, Jean Rabe, Sherwood Smith, and many others in a new Kickstarter project titled Athena’s Daughters.

My story, “Retribution”, is set in my Deadly Curiosities universe, in modern-day Charleston, SC. It’s the same characters and setting as my “Buttons” adventure, and as the upcoming urban fantasy novel, “Deadly Curiosities” (Solaris Books, 2014)

Athena’s Daughters is a collection of short fiction from some of the best female science fiction and fantasy authors in the industry. This anthology features stories written by women about women. I’m also incredibly excited to have an introduction to the anthology by retired astronaut and Space Shuttle Commander Pam Melroy.

The publisher, Silence in the Library, believes strongly in the concept of bringing the artistry back to publishing. To that end, every anthology they produce features illustrations for each and every story. Additionally, my fellow authors and I, and the staff at Silence in the Library Publishing believe that any good project should contribute something to improving the human community. In keeping with that goal, a portion of every book sold will go to RAINN. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline in partnership with more than 1,100 local rape crisis centers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.

By funding Athena’s Daughters at any level, you help bring this project to life. And for supports who fund starting at the $5 level, you get awesome thank-you gifts from the authors. Help us reach our stretch goals, and you could win free books, ebooks, audiobooks, art, and more. You might even win the chance to be written into one of the stories!

Watch the cool video Janine Spendlove made to tell you all about it:    Athena’s Daughters–You can make this live!

This is only a small portion of what is waiting for you when you visit the Athena’s Daughters Kickstarter project page. Please join us and become a part of the Athena’s Daughter’s journey by visiting https://tinyurl.com/athenasD and contributing today!

Read an excerpt from my Athena’s Daughters story, “Retribution” here: https://www.wattpad.com/story/10512852-retribution

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by | December 1, 2013 · 9:00 am

The Broad Universe Year in Review Blog Ring of Power starts 12/1 – 12/31

BRoP Year in Review 2013Seventeen women speculative fiction writers (including me!) talk about 2013 milestones and what’s coming up in 2014 on the Broad Universe Blog Ring of Power!

Authors include Hichelle Hauck, Heidi Vlach, Anne E. Johnson, Bonnie Milani, A.W. Exley, Gail Z. Martin, Tracy Lane, T.J. Loveless, E.B. Black, Ellen Larson, Kristi Petersen Schoonover, Lori Sjoberg, Beth Barany, Lauren Jankowski, Jennifer Allis Provost, Terri Bruce, T.W. Fendley, Emily LaBonte, Sandra Ulbrich Almazan and Vicki Lempe Weavile.

Includes drawings for awesome prizes!

Prizes include:
ebook copies of Render (A story of Aligaire) by Heidi Vlach (3 copies)
ebook copy of Home World by Bonnie Milani and ebook copy of Trades by Bonnie Milani
ebook copy of Nefertiti’s Heart by A. W. Exley
$25 Amazon Gift Card from T. J. Loveless
paperback copy of Going Thru Hell by T. J. Loveless
ebook copy of Medusa’s Desire by E. B. Black
signed hardcover first edition of In Retrospect by Ellen Larson
ebook copies of Bad Apple by Kristi Petersen Schoonover (2)
ebook copy of Grave Intentions by Lori Sjoberg
copy of Henrietta the Dragon Slayer by Beth Barany (print for U.S. or ebook for Int. winner)
$10 Amazon gift card from Terri Bruce
ebook copy of Twinned Universes by Sandra Ulbrich Almazan
signed copy of Ice Forged by Gail Z. Martin

Details here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Find all the blog goodness here:

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